Wrestling legend explains what WWE must do with Cody Rhodes: "Then you've got money" (Exclusive)

Cody Rhodes has big shoes to fill as the next Undisputed WWE Champion after Roman Reigns. Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell gave his predictions for Rhodes' reign recently and urged WWE to regain sympathy toward Cody's character.

The American Nightmare opened SmackDown and had a face-off with his Backlash opponent. AJ Styles. Cody Rhodes needs to have a strong start to his title run, and Dutch Mantell believed a lot of it would depend on the WWE star's merch sales.

WWE has often used merchandise numbers to determine its top names, and as long as Rhodes consistently draws, he would ensure the belt stays around his waist.

"But what do you think is holding Cody in there? Those merch sales. When they see those merch sales, they say, 'Let's not go against them!' But if they buy your merch, they are with you," he said. [51:46 - 52:07]

While making Cody Rhodes the face of the company might have been the right call, Dutch Mantell wants WWE to maintain the fans' support for the superstar.

Mantell proposed a scenario where a top heel lays out Cody Rhodes, creating a more intriguing world title feud that can make money for the WWE.

Dutch continued:

"So now you have to do something with Cody or see a heel beat the cr*p out of him. They are going to have to do it in a way that's believable and gets a little heat and sympathy on Cody; then you've got money!" [52:08 - 52:22]

Cody will enter WWE Backlash as the favorite to retain the championship against AJ Styles.

While their match is expected to be solid, WWE's real work might begin after the PLE, as Dutch Mantell and various fans and pundits have suggested following WrestleMania. Let's hope Rhodes, Triple H, and the team deliver the goods.

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Please credit Smack Talk and give an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription.